Pontypridd v Cardiff Blues fixture confirmed

19 June 2007 00:00

Cardiff Blues can confirm that they will play an additional pre season friendly match when they take on Pontypridd RFC at Sardis Road on Wednesday 8 August 7.15pm kick off. The Blues have already announced their match against Gloucester at the Arms Park on Saturday 25th August, kick off 2.30pm

This will be the Blues' second visit to Sardis Road having played Pontypridd there in August 2005. The Blues won that match by 40 -10 with tries by: Chris Czekaj, Gareth Williams, Nick Gill, Tristan Davies and two from Jamie Roberts who made his Blues debut that afternoon.

Over recent seasons many players have progressed through Pontypridd RFC team to play for their regional side. Duane Goodfield, Rhys Shellard, Tom Riley and Dai Flanagan all played for Ponty before taking the step up to the Blues squad.

Pontypridd finished fourth in the Principality Premiership last season only four points behind winners Neath and August's game will be the first game for them under new management.

Paul John follows in his fathers footsteps and has been appointed senior coach. Dale McIntosh who also works for the Blues as a Development Officer has been given the role of forwards coach, while Nathan Strong will lead the team on to the pitch as captain.